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We are getting ready to breed our 2 Shire mares this spring. We live in western Wisconsin - the season has started for our mares not under lights. Both mares are open - the problem mare (IIb uterus and post breeding fluid problem) foaled in '06, the easy mare foaled in '07.

We have no stallions on the property and our elderly Arab gelding just isn't their type for teasing Both mares will have their first ultrasound 3/25 to see what things look like. Both will be bred AI. Neither mare has any evidence of infection problems (discharge, etc.).

Is a culture/cytology something I should automatically have done - or is it something that should be done if there is evidence of a problem?

Naturally, we would like to keep costs down, but we do not want to cut any corners. Just doesn't pay off.

If you have a c+c performed and the mares are "clean", you wasted money. If you don't perform the c+c and the mares are "dirty", then the mares will be unlikely to get pregnant, and you wasted a boatload of money.

Your call!

If it were me, I'd do it.

Be aware that your IIA mare has only a 10-50% chance of producing a live foal.

As long as your mares have gone through transitional phase and had their first ovulation of the year, you might want to consider using P&E. If you synchronize your mares to breed on a single shipment, you'll probably save enough money in vet bills and shipping and collection charges to cover the costs of the c+c even if you end up finding you didn't need them!

Thank you! It's no trouble spending money on the c/c - I just didn't know if it was customary to have it done automatically before breeding. I'll add it to the list

That's a good idea with the P&E. The girls have different men though, darn.

Thanks for the help! Nan

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